What to Expect: Prepare for the Catholic Cruise of your Life!

As we prepare to set sail on another incredible Good News Cruise, we know our cruisers are eager to discover what awaits them on board—and our team is just as excited!

In addition to uplifting Masses, praise, and worship from world-renowned evangelists, we’re bringing an all-star lineup of entertainment and activities designed to fuel your Faith. 

From morning coffee with Bishop Joe Coffey to magical evenings with Giancarlo Bernini, every detail of our jam-packed schedule is designed to help you find the fun and formation in your relationship with God—keeping you joyfully engaged every step of the journey. Take a look below for a simplified summary of our itinerary highlights! 

Live Podcasts and Radio Shows

Join us in the Crow’s Nest to listen to inspiring discussions from some of our favorite Catholic voices: Fr. Joe Krupp, Teresa Tomeo of EWTN Radio, and Dr. Ray Guarendi! Each recording will feature an appearance from our special guests on the cruise, so stay tuned to see what surprises are in store! 

Programming with Ave Maria Radio

Our media partners at Ave Maria Radio have curated additional programming in the Explorers Lounge on Deck 2, where you can meet their team and enjoy engaging discussions on topics such as marriage, fatherhood, rosaries, and more! Be sure to review the itinerary to see which shows will be offered each day.

Tastings and Demonstrations

This year, we’re joined by sommeliers and beer and whiskey enthusiasts for exceptional tasting experiences at sea! You may have already signed up for a private beer tasting with Father Mike Schmitz or Father Joe Krupp, whiskey tastings with the Bulmans, or wine tastings with Father Leo Patalinghug, Dr. Liz Lev, and Dr. Thomas Williams. Throughout the cruise, be sure to visit the Ocean Bar for complimentary mixology demonstrations, brought to you by Holland America!

Praise and Worship

Led by world-renowned Catholic musicians, we’ll worship together each day with Sarah Kroger, John Angotti, and Matt Maher.

Andrea Bocelli Performance

Tuesday, February 10 promises to be one of the most unforgettable days of our cruise, as we are honored to enjoy a special performance by the legendary Andrea Bocelli in the World Stage Theatre! Guests with yellow lanyards are invited to attend the performance at 6:30 PM, while those with blue lanyards will attend at 9:00 PM.

Catholic Cruise Q & A‘s 

Have questions about what it takes to put on a fully chartered Catholic cruise? Join Corporate Travel President John Hale and CEO David DiFranco for an inside look at blending business and Faith, behind-the-scenes details, and the history of the Good News Cruise.

We’ll also host a Couples Q&A designed to strengthen your relationship—giving you space to grow together and ask the questions that matter most.

"Behind the Curtain" Interview Series 

Join Chuck Gaidica as he conducts candid interviews with special presenters aboard the Good News Cruise!

Singles Content 

For our solo cruisers, we’ve included content designed to uplift and renew, including singles talks. Join us on February 10th for a conversation with Mary Beth Bonacci as she explores the realities of living single in a “Noah’s Ark world.”

Superbowl viewing

We didn’t forget about the most important sporting event of the year—happening on the very first day of sailing! Catch the Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots on the big screen in the World Stage Theatre, or watch poolside on Deck 9. The Billboard Onboard lounge will also be displaying the game on Deck 2. 

*We hear your halftime questions! Instead of airing the halftime show onboard, we’re offering something special: during halftime, visit the World Stage Theatre to hear an inspiring talk from Super Bowl Champion Matt Birk!  His talk will also be broadcast live on the Lido Deck, in the Sports Bars, and in your cabin. Please note that neither the regularly scheduled halftime show nor Turning Point USA’s All-American Halftime Show will be shown onboard.

More On-Board Activities

• Bingo

• Dancing to the Holland America Line band

• Catholic Trivia with Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Katie Prejean McGrady, and Giancarlo Bernini

• Karaoke

• Magic Shows with Giancarlo Bernini

• Veterans Meet & Greet with Bishop Joe Coffey

• Confessions

• Performances from George Trullinger and Tim Stamper 

• Cigars and conversation with Curtis Martin and Father Ryan Mann

• And so much more! 

Inspiring Catholic Voices

Each day on the ship will feature a diverse array of talks from our wonderful evangelists, listed below.

• Father Dave Pivonka 

  • "The Father's Heart, a Child's Love"

• Dr. Ed Sri 

  • "Prayer and Virtue" 

  • "The Good The Messy and The Beautiful: The Joys and Struggles of Real Married Life", joined by Beth Sri

• Dr. Elizabeth Lev 

  • "Love, Beauty, and the Sistine Chapel"

• Kathleen and Troy Billings 

  • "Simply Love: Catholic Marriage Day by Day"

• Archbishop Samuel Aquila 

  • "The Sacraments and Encounter with Jesus"

• Father Leo Patalinghug 

  • "Getting Your Family to Heaven: Soups for the Soul" 

  • "Marriage and Priesthood: What They Have in Common"

• Teresa Tomeo 

  • "Living La Dolce Fede: What Italians Can Teach Us about Living a Great and Godly Life" 

  • "Intimate Graces: How Practicing the Works of Mercy Brings Out the Best in Your Marriage", joined by Deacon Dom Pastore 

  • “The Do's and Don'ts of Italy Travel” 

  • "I Will Pursue You: God's Design for Marriage", joined by Dr. Marcus Peter

• Mary Beth Bonacci 

  • "St. John Paul II and the Missing Plus-One: The Theology of the Body for the Rest of Us" 

  • "Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue. I'm Single. On Valentine's Day. On a Marriage Cruise"

• Michaelann & Curtis Martin (Founders of FOCUS) 

  • "Making Missionary Disciples as a Team Sport"

• Katie Prejean McGrady 

  • "Lessons from Pope Leo"

• Vanessa Denha-Garmo 

  • "On the Job with Jesus"

• Lisa and Greg Popcak 

  • "A Fine Romance: Unleashing the Power of Marriage"

• Father Mike Schmitz 

  • "Primary Allegiance"

• Father Patrick Setto and Jeff Kassab 

  • "Anchored in Love: Strengthening Marriage Through Faith, Grace, Communication, and Daily Commitment”

• Father John Riccardo 

  • "God's Plan to Get His Family Back"

• Dr. Ray Guarendi 

  • "Laughter: The Sanity of Family"

• Heather and Jake Khym 

  • "Whole & Holy: Strengthening Unity in Marriage"

• Matthew Bunson 

  • “Holy Couples, Holy Marriages”

• Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers 

  • "Catholic Families: The Model for a Culture of Love & Life"

• Sean Forrest 

  • "When the joy is gone, suffering and darkness come, and God feels distant."

• Steve Ray 

  • "The Twelve Unknown Sorrows of Mary"

• Father Matthias Thelen 

  • “How to Open our Hearts to Hear God Speak”

• Alan Sears 

  • "Catholic/Faith Heroes of Today: The raging legal battles for your faith and family's Religious Freedom"

• Father Ryan Mann 

  • "Desires for Fullness"

The itinerary is subject to change, but you’re welcome to review it to get a sense of the dates, times, and ship locations for each featured activity. Once onboard, you will receive a finalized daily schedule each evening during turndown service.

We can’t wait to set sail with you!